by K.P. Singh

Faith is the spirit of hope. It is belief in the unseen and unanswered petitions and prayers. Being hopeful is an act of trust in something greater than our temporal comprehension. It is an instinctive feeling springing from deep within that often affirms cherished blessings. Hope gives us light amid darkness, and an inner positive echo amid uncertainty.

It manifests itself as an invisible energy that drives us during passages through life's formidable encounters and turbulent times. It transcends doubt, defeat, despair and disappointment.

Hope is the spirit and breath of life itself. It defines our humanity. From the beginning of time, life has been nurtured by real or imagined hopes from within or without, reassuring, faith-inspired messages, beliefs or promises. When we least expected, the reward of much-sought relief, comfort, surprise or cherished blessing arrived.

Legends and folklore abound in all cultures about hope inspiring people to make lasting contributions throughout history to advance human civilization. Hope has transported human spirit and creativity to unimaginable heights and a limitless adventure into our deeper self. Remember the countless acts of incredible sacrifice, daring to vanquish forces of darkness to restore and re-establish hope. Imagine the giant leaps of mankind on the wings of hope.

Hope may not arrive in familiar, large measures. It may be just a glimmer of good things in disguise, an instinctive feeling that helps us ride through life's valleys and uncertain times. Hope provides us with the reason to continue our efforts even against great odds in anticipation of a favorable outcome in the end. Humanity has endured the unspeakable and unthinkable with hope, faith and prayer as the only weapons. We have inspirations all around us to follow or set our own markers to honor and serve life.

We can all be messengers of hope to one another. We all share common hopes, dreams and challenges. Extending hope to others is an act of faith and recognition of our common origin and shared humanity as children of one universal God. Hope is a life-giving spiritual bridge to the other side, to the unexplored shores and new frontiers with boundless promise. To spread hope to others is living the true spirit of faith.

When hope is deeply enshrined in our souls, we can surmount unexpected, impossible and tragic events in our lives. Each of us in our own unique way is witness to the power of hope. We must never surrender to failure or defeat. We must always embrace, extend and celebrate hope. It is important for our individual and collective survival and prosperity. Where there is absence of hope, there is darkness, shadows and death of spirit. Where there is hope, there is life, renewal and triumph of spirit.

Everything we hope and pray for may not materialize. We know that millions upon this blessed Earth daily witness the miracle and power of hope and God's unbounded grace. Hope, like faith, beckons us to take heart, renew our strength, lift our spirit with a prayer and song, go forward with determination, prepare again to capture the blessing we seek, and let God do the rest.

Copyright ©2002 K.P. Singh & Indianapolis Star. About The Author